Please Don't Leave Me

Chapter Seventeen

TW: Panic Attack
The storm continued on for the rest of the weekend. The days were filled with reassuring words and tight embraces, all in an attempt to comfort the shaking boy. Remus' terror never ceased, but the comfort from his parents helped ease his panic slightly.

Monday came around far too quickly for Remus' liking. While the storm had finally dissipated, a light rain shower persisted, causing a sense of anxiety to grow in Remus' mind. He got ready for school shakily, his heart pounding as the sound of rain droplets hitting the window echoed in his mind. Remus made his way down the stairs with his backpack, mildly concerned when he didn't see Logan at the table drinking a cup of coffee. Patton rushed around the kitchen, making tea and toast. Patton turned around quickly upon hearing Remus enter the room. "Hey bud! Slight change of plans for today. Logan is really sick. He has a crazy fever, so he's staying home today. I'm gonna take you to school and pick you up for the next day or two," Patton said quickly, never ceasing his movements. Remus watched him for a moment longer before speaking up. "Do you need any help, Patton?" The man looked up at him gratefully. "Could you bring that cup of tea to Lo? He's in our bed. I need to finish making breakfast real quick and I'm pretty sure he'd love to see you before you leave for the day." Remus nodded, grabbing the mug and taking it upstairs to the couple's room. Remus opened the door carefully, not wanting to disturb Logan if he had fallen back asleep. He set the mug carefully on the bedside table, turning to leave when the man rolled over and looked up at the boy. "Hey, Re...I'm sorry I can't be at school with you today." Remus froze for a moment. He hadn't thought about that. However, he never wanted to be the cause of worry, so he put on a slight smile as he spoke. "It's okay, Logan. I'll be fine. You need to rest so that you can feel better soon." Logan closed his eyes with a content expression. "I'll see you after school," Remus said softly. When Logan hummed in reply, the boy left the room and closed the door quietly.

As he entered the kitchen, Patton ushered him over to the table. "Eat up, bud. We have to leave pretty soon. Traffic can get a little backed up in the rain." An unmistakable look of fear passed through Remus' features. "Don't worry, Re. I looked at the weather radar and it's not supposed to storm until after I pick you up. Just a little bit of rain while you're at school." Remus nodded, the slight anxiety still racing through his veins. Breathe. Everything will be okay.

After an incredibly quick breakfast, the pair began the drive to the school. As predicted, the traffic was rather backed up due to the inclement weather. They pulled up to the school just minutes before the bell was set to ring, prompting Remus to exit the car quickly. "Hey Re! Have a good day, bud. I'll pick you up right here after school, okay?" Patton yelled out the window. Remus nodded and gave the man a smile before running for the school entrance, both in fear of being late and of the rain. Remus slid into his seat just as the bell rang. He let out a sigh of relief. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad.

He couldn't have been more wrong.

The day passed quickly, despite the growing pit in Remus' stomach. The sky was getting darker and the sound of the rain hitting the windows was doing nothing to help calm Remus' pounding heart. He felt slightly better when he met up with Dee during fourth period. Something about to boy made him feel comfortable and at ease. As the end of the day rolled around, the pair walked out to the front of the school together. They talked about nothing in particular, laughing loudly at each other's jokes. Remus had almost forgotten about the rain entirely. He loved that Dee had that effect on him, even if he wasn't exactly sure why that was the case. Unbeknownst to Remus, Dee was feeling very similar feelings for the curly haired boy. However, Dee knew exactly why he was feeling that way.

"Wait, you're getting picked up today? I thought Mr. Berry was your dad," Dee asked when Remus exited the building with him. "Yeah he is, but he's sick, so I'm getting picked up." "Oh, by your mom?" Dee asked. No. Remus hesitated. He had purposely not told Dee about his family dynamic. He was his first real friend, and he didn't want anything to ruin that. Especially this friendship. But he also knew that his new family meant the world to him and he didn't want to hide them anymore, no matter the loss. If Dee didn't want to associate with him anymore because his parents were gay, then he'd only be back where he started. Remus took a deep breath before answering. "No, my other dad is picking me up." Remus readied himself for the harsh words that would soon come his way. What he hadn't expected was for Dee to say, "Oh, cool." Remus looked at him with a shocked expression. "Wait, you're cool with the fact that my parents are gay?" Dee laughed loudly. "It would be rather problematic if I weren't considering I have two moms and I'm gay." Remus laughed in disbelief. He hadn't lost his friend.

Dee looked down at his phone, his expression slightly saddening at the message. "My moms here, I have to go," Dee said. "I'll see you tomorrow," Remus said with a soft smile. "You know, it's getting a little late. Do you want a ride home? My mom can just drop you off," Dee offered. Only then did Remus notice the time on Dee's phone screen. It was already 20 minutes after school had been let out. Remus' heart rate increased slightly. He's just late. He's coming. "Um, no, that's okay. Thank you though! I'm sure he's just caught in traffic or something," Remus stuttered out, attempting to seem unbothered. "If you're sure," Dee said lightly. "I am." "Alright, Re, I'll see you tomorrow then," Dee smiled and waved as he walked toward his moms car. Remus waved back with a weak smile. He shook his head once the boy was gone in an attempt to rid himself of his bad thoughts. He'll be here soon.

Another 40 minutes had passed when he realized Patton wasn't coming. He couldn't deny that he was completely heartbroken. Finally realized that you were too much work. Didn't even care enough about you to come get you. Remus sniffled as he started walking. Maybe he could find his way home. He walked for about 15 minutes in what he believed to be the direction of his house. He wasn't sure, though. Everything seemed to meddle together as his panic rose. They left me. They left me. They left me. Remus was certain that this couldn't get any worse.

Then there was a crack of thunder.

Remus jumped at the sound, his body immediately quivering. No, No, NO. Remus starting running as the rain began pounding down and the sky was lit up with a flash of lightning. He could feel pure fear and panic clawing at his mind. Need Patton. Need Logan. Remus continued to sprint through the streets, wanting his parents now more than ever. In the midst of his fear, however, Remus took far too many wrong turns, ending up in a section of the town that he had never seen. As he felt the panic enclosing on his mind, Remus felt to his knees and gripped his hair, sobbing loudly.

Back at the Berry house, Logan and Patton laid wrapped in each other's arms, having fallen asleep while watching a movie. Blissfully unaware of their son shattering to pieces.